Investigated relationships between visual-spatial abilities and achievement and what influence these abilities have on the high attribution rate characteristic of many introductory college-level science courses. Results, among others, using physics students (N=136) and nonscience majors (N=52), indicate that visual-spatial abilities influence…

Describes a study that examines the extent to which differences exist in the concept maps of advanced college biology majors (n=25) and beginning nonmajors (n=25) in the domain of mammals. Results indicate that the concept maps of biology majors are structurally more complex than those of nonmajors. (ZWH)

Argues that concern for the needs of science department faculty in small colleges and universities is lacking in the science education research literature. Claims that such faculty's duties often include educating science majors and science education majors, and the unique problems arising from this dual role should be more thoroughly studied.…

Quantitative outcomes from the Attitudes toward Science Inventory, as well as interview results, indicate that nonscience college majors have high anxiety levels in combination with low levels of motivation when confronted with science material. Further, these attitudes toward science change with exposure to introductory, science instruction with…

Details two studies: (1) Study A describes a close replication of a Bishop and Anderson study (1990) using the same conceptual-change teaching module to teach a unit on evolution to nonmajor biology students; and (2) Study B used high school students, and the instruction was based on the inquiry approach to science. (28 references) (Author)